Computer and Reception Counters

From: Scott Sanford

Location: Reno, NV

Hobbyist or Pro: Hobbyist

Materials: MDF and Laminate

Project Description:
OK, I don’t know if “L” is allowed on this site, L being for laminates. Yeah, I said it! But I had never worked with them before and I built these two counters for my church. The first is an 11 foot long computer counter with hidden doors on the sides which open up to reveal a pull out tray that the computer sits on and a drawer. The second is a 16 foot long two-level reception counter with storage in the back. The “S” curve is made up of 5 different radii. And the brushed aluminum on both was very expensive and easy to mess up.

In a lot of respects his wasn’t as painstaking as some actual wood furniture projects I’ve done, simply because there’s a little more room for error in something you’re going to laminate. However, in many ways this was by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever built. The shear size was a huge part. I had to build an adjustable height assembly table that could roll around and also hold 800 pounds. I used the torsion box construction that Marc demonstrated. The installation of the dang thing was nearly as hard as making it. Joining two 8 foot cases by scribing a weird shaped toe kick to the floor to make them level and remain at the same height over the whole length was a challenge.

Anyway, I could go on and on. I know it’s using laminates but I’m still grateful for the challenge and what I learned. It was a good project for a good cause!